Hidden gems for the perfect weekend escape
All is not lost when it comes to getting away.
Those of us with wanderlust might be feeling at a loss these days. Normally we’d be looking forward to the upcoming vacation season, making plans for a trip somewhere to get a healthy dose of vitamin D. But this year, there’ll be far fewer airport departures, and a scarcity of tourists sunbathing on sandy beaches.
Instead, recent events invite us to find happiness in our own backyards. Luckily, Ontario has no shortage of natural beauty or boutique hotels equipped with refined décor. Take a short drive outside the GTA, and you’ll find three hidden gems that make the perfect destination for a weekend escape.
ELORA MILL
Elora Mill hotel and spa is perched cliffside, overlooking the Grand River as it splashes through the Elora Gorge. Dining room views provide a 360-degree glimpse of the gorge’s treefilled basin, full of fiery colours as the leaves change with the season.
For a closer look at nature’s marvels, go on a guided excursion. Adventurous hotel- goers can rappel into the gorge to enjoy a riverside snack basket while learning about the area’s natural history. Though if indoor activities are more your speed, Elora Mill has those options too. Don a robe and visit the spa for a pampering treatment and a healthy lunch. Soak in the outdoor hot tub, and relax with a glass of wine made with grapes from neighbouring fields in Wellington County.
The Penstock lounge boasts a fixture called the Penstock Pipe. Years ago, it carried water to power the mill. In a happy turn of events, it now holds wine — and an impressive collection at that. Elora Mill’s interiors are a skillful mix of old and new — a balance struck by the keen eye of interior design maven Lori Morris. The rustic bones of the 175- year- old structure are a beautiful backdrop for modern-day luxury.
MERRILL HOUSE
Whimsy and grandeur come together at Prince Edward Country’s Merrill House. On its website you’ ll meet the Merrills, two fictional characters from a bygone era who live for eating, drinking, and dressing as posh a manner as possible.
During your stay at Merrill house, you may decide to take their lead, beginning with a sommelierguided tour of their awardwinning cellar. Select a bottle that intrigues you and pair it with the house’s French cuisine for dinner. Executive Chef Michael Sullivan’s menu offers delights like foie gras au torchon with fig compote, or seared sockeye salmon with scallop mousse. While the setting may be pastoral, you’re encouraged to dress your best for dinner. “Suppose dinner jackets are for dinner and running shoes are for running,” the house suggests.
After dinner, retire to the Marchioness of Lorne Suite. Named for Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria, the room’s grand 1880s fireplace and original parquet floors will transport you to another era. The house’s mantra, idleness is a virtue, makes it the perfect destination for anyone seeking a sumptuous escape.
LANGDON HALL
Langdon Hall Country House Hotel and Spa rests on a century- old estate in Cambridge, Ont. Once, it was a summer getaway for the son of a wealthy fur trader from New York. Today, it’s run by William Bennett and Mary Beaton, whose English sensibilities are most apparent in the house’s expansive gardens. For those who prefer a less manicured natural setting, 75 acres of forest beckon at the property’s perimeter.
Inside, you’re sure to notice the reasons for Langdon Hall’s Relais & Châteaux distinction. As members of this inviteonly group of exceptional abodes, the hall’s interiors are subject to the utmost scrutiny to pass. There’s a two- storey attic suite, equipped with a king- sized feather bed and a woodburning fireplace. Relax in the suite’s soaking tub, then adjourn in its private sitting room for a glass of wine and some conversation.
If you find reason to leave your suite, it could be to make your way to the hall’s spa. Book an anti-aging Moor mud body mask or a Kelzyme wrap, where 70 trace minerals work to detoxify your skin while you recline. Once you’re fully relaxed, bundle up and float over to the spa’s terrace overlooking the gardens. See if you can spot one of the many deer that call the estate home.
A setting this serene begs to be painted, so it’s no surprise that artists have taken an interest in Langdon Hall, and vice versa. Exhibitions are on display throughout the year. Currently, you can view the works of painters Johanna Reynolds and Kara Mcintosh.
If you’re looking for a little adventure beyond your doorstep, there are excellent options this side of the Atlantic.